Welcome to KITCHEN CONCEPTS BLOG! We are located in Hadley, MA, on Rte. 9! We are a kitchen design and cabinet sales company, specializing in new cabinetry, countertops and vanities. Follow us to read about our products, trends and special promotions!

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Fall Trends in Kitchens

There are three things to think about when remodeling your kitchen this fall. Think: Simplicity, Convenience, and Color.Color:

Benjamin Moore Color Studio came up with 22 color trending now. Check out link to see the colors. After careful review of more then 250 white selection it was decided that Simply White OC-117 is the most neutral in various light sources.

For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity (PANTONE 13-1520 & PANTONE 15-3919) are chosen as the PANTONE Color of the Year.

Color Blocked Kitchens — Two-tone and color blocked kitchens were trendy in 2015, and we expect to see them remain popular in 2016 as well.

Black Kitchens — Black is popping up in many kitchens, and many manufacturers are banking on black to be a noteworthy color for kitchens in 2016.

White Kitchens — White is currently the most popular color for kitchens, particularly for kitchen cabinets. Other popular kitchen elements include white kitchen tile backsplashes and white appliances.

Gray Kitchens — Gray is still a noteworthy color for every room in the home in 2016, but it’s an especially popular choice for decorating the kitchen.

Blue Kitchens — A range of blues are currently popular in 2016, and they’re all workable for use in decorating the kitchen. Navy blue and lighter blues pair beautifully with white, gray or other colors to complete the look.

Example of a Blue kitchen. (www.decoratorswisdom.com)

Are you thinking about what style would suite both you, your house and resale value down the road? Here are some Kitchen Style Trends:

A transitional kitchen is one that incorporates elements that are both traditional and contemporary. Transitional was an important design style for kitchens in 2015, with many homeowners remodeling their kitchens to reflect this style. We expect to see transitional kitchens remaining popular in 2016.

Shaker Style Kitchens

“Shaker style” is a style that fits within the broader transitional style. It is a minimalist look that is more traditional than modern style, but shares some common characteristics such as clean, simple lines and an uncluttered appearance.

Contemporary Style Kitchens

In 2015, transitional style had a slight edge over contemporary style; however, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, contemporary style was surging in popularity and was a close second to transitional style in terms of demand. As 2016 progresses, we expect to continue seeing strong demand for contemporary style kitchens.

In addition to Kitchen Style Trends there are Remodeling Trends. Here are some ideas to think about when putting in your dream kitchen.

Gourmet Kitchens

Many homeowners want to stock their kitchens with all the amenities it takes to cook healthy, delicious gourmet meals. Those who are remodeling their kitchens are making space in both their floor plans and their budgets for these amenities.

Home Offices, Docking Stations and Work Stations in the Kitchen

In 2015, the National Kitchen and Bath Association reported that desk or home office space has been created in a majority of new kitchens being designed by their members — approximately two-thirds of them. This space is also likely to include a docking station for recharging mobile devices.

The Decline of the Traditional Kitchen Table

When remodeling older kitchens in 2016, many homeowners continue to replace their kitchen tables with other choices such as kitchen islands or additional counter space.

Among those who are choosing to keep tables in their kitchens, pub tables, tall gathering tables and counter height tables are trendy choices for 2016. These tables are characterized by their height; they are typically 36 to 42 inches tall, which is taller than the standard kitchen table height of 30 inches.

Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans aren’t new by any means; this is a mature trend that is still current for 2016.

Let's think Countertop!

Granite Countertops Still Going Strong for 2016 — Those of you who follow trends are aware that granitecountertops have been popular for what seems like ages now and still going strong.

White Granite Kitchen Countertops — White granite doesn’t always read as white; it often takes on a grayish appearance. This makes it an ideal surface for use by those who are embracing the gray trend, and also for those who are installing black or black-and-white kitchens.

Quartz Kitchen Countertops — While quartz has a small percentage of the total overall market share for kitchen countertops, the demand for quartz counters is growing. This is definitely a trend to watch for 2016 and the years ahead.

Get started on your kitchen today!!(Trend ideas from www.decoratorswisdom.com/)

Sunday, September 18, 2016

When it comes to hardware it is personal preference. Think of hardware like jewelry for your cabinets. What is your kitchen type? Is it Traditional, Mission, Rustic, Contemporary, Artistic, Farmhouse, Asian inspired, Mineral (rock) look, retro, Tuscan, etc. There are pulls and knobs to fit any style and preference. Search the web and get some ideas. You will be holding these knobs and pulling these pulls time and time again they need to feel right as well as look right. If you are going to order on line you may want to order one set to get the feel, see how you like the look and functionality.

Rustic Traditional

Contemporary Rock On

Artistic Mission

Farmhouse Asian Inspired

Tuscan Retro

More Fun Do-It-Yourself

Pictures from Bobvila.com

As you look at options, think about walking around your kitchen and the types of clothing you wear. Will your clothing get caught on these knobs or pulls? This is a really important factor that many people don't think about. Many of us think about the look but not the functionality, Think about that favorite sweater or that favorite pair of flowing pants. You would hate for them to get caught on a pull or knob and tear. Hardware is an investment and something you are going to look at for many years.

Here at Kitchen Concepts one of our most popular lines is berensonhardware.com. A current popular trend is the elongated stainless steel drawer pulls. It is a modern and contemporary look showing clean lines.. Just updating your knobs and pulls can transform your kitchen. Start looking into new knobs and pulls that are just right for you.